Where To Find The Best Coffee In Canberra

Whether you’re after the perfect piccolo or cold brew, we’ve found the best coffee in Canberra.

Wondering where to find the best coffee in Canberra?   There are so many talented baristas in the nation’s capital that it’s difficult to narrow down who’s the best at pulling shots. The good news is that means you can find a great brew no matter which neighbourhood you stay in when visiting Canberra.

The city known for its vibrant restaurants and cosy cafes is also peppered with a plethora of purveyors of specialty coffee. I’ve been drinking coffee in Canberra long enough to know that consistency matters as much as creativity. What sets this city apart isn’t just one standout cafe, but an army of baristas and roasters who treat coffee as a craft. Here are the cafes that serve the best coffee in Canberra.

In Short

If you only visit one coffee shop in Canberra, make it ONA Coffee House . You can taste the full range of blends and single origins that shape a lot of cafes across the capital, all brewed by baristas at the top of their game. It’s where Canberra’s reputation as a serious coffee city truly began.

1. Redbrick Coffee

a look inside Redbrick Coffee, Canberra — The Redbrick Coffee brand’s flagship venue is popular in the CBD. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Caff-fiends who have been downright villainous about keeping this place a secret can complete their redemption arc by deploying the #bestcoffeeinCanberra hashtag. For starters, the Redbrick Coffee brand’s flagship venue is popular due to its proximity to Canberra’s CBD at the A by Adina Hotel. Redbrick Coffee also does a fine breakfast. On the coffee front, you can pick up bags to take away, too. This cafe is hugely popular with office workers so my hot tip is to arrive early and avoid rush hour.

Address: 1 Constitution Ave, Canberra

2. Recess Coffee

coffee and pancakes at Recess Coffee — Enjoy your pancakes with maple syrup. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Recess Coffee is brought to you by the talented team behind the acclaimed cafe Barrio Collective and hatted restaurant Terra. Join the steady trickle of caffeine-obsessed locals at the cafe and vinyl bar for their morning espresso. Recess is one of the best cafes in Canberra for coffee as it roasts its own beans. There are also a range of all-day dining options including avo on sourdough and eggs benedict with saffron hollandaise, pancakes with maple butter and B&E brekkie muffins.

Address: 6B Barker St, Griffith

3. Barrio Espresso

Barrio Collective Coffee has expanded its presence in Canberra with this compact espresso bar on Dairy Road. And if you want to understand Canberra’s coffee scene, this is where to start. This calm, no-nonsense spot has some of the best coffee in Canberra, brewed by people who know their way around a bag of beans. The atmosphere is cosy and unpretentious, and there’s a small, considered selection of pastries on offer – exactly what’s required when coffee is the main event.

Address: 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick

4. Intra

the storefront of Intra Specialty Coffee — The cafe is designed with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. (Image: VisitCanberra)

If we could, we’d enjoy Intra coffee intravenously. The cosy cafe in leafy Campbell is one of the best places for coffee in Canberra due to the quality beans it sources from Barrio Collective . The blends change seasonally depending on which beans are best. The specialty coffee and food venue also stocks rare single-origin beans from Edition Coffee Roasters in Sydney. Its breakfast menu includes the Chashu bacon and egg roll, which has a cult following. Check out Intra’s buzzy Braddon venue, B-Side ; both are top spots for brunch in Canberra.

Address: 30/12 Provan St, Campbell

5. Lava

There are three iterations of Lava across Canberra – in Kingston, Weston and Phillip. And the driving principle behind this trifecta of popular places is for highly trained baristas to brew coffees with specially selected top-quality beans. A hot tip: check out @Lava_Coffee on Instagram so you can find out more about your friendly baristas. Oh and do check the specials board for brekkie staples such as BLATs and avo on toast. I follow Lava as much for the people as the coffee; few cafes in Canberra celebrate the baristas as much as the batch brews.

Address: Various in Kingston, Weston and Phillip

6. Barrio Collective

Alfresco dining at Barrio Collective — Snag an alfresco spot at Barrio Collective. (Image: VisitCanberra)

The Barrio Collective acts as a bit of an incubator for a lot of Canberra’s top baristas. And while you’ll find some of the best cafes in Canberra use Barrio Collective’s beans, the OG cafe has ample outdoor seating and is dog friendly. If you’re hungry, it’s worth trying its stacked toasties. Sip your chosen brew alongside a piece of toast spread with ‘mushymite’, a fermented mushroom product with a similar taste to Australia’s favourite spread.

Address: 59/30 Lonsdale St, Braddon

7. ONA Coffee House

swan latte art at ONA Coffee House — An expertly crafted specialty cup at ONA Coffee House. (Image: VisitCanberra)

You’ll find ONA Coffee beans in cafes across Australia. The company was founded in a garage in 2008 by ex-Olympic handball player and world champion barista Saša Šestić. Fast forward to today and the brand is now known around the world for its premium blends. Visit ONA Coffee House in Fyshwick to explore the entire signature range of house blends and single-origin coffees. Enjoy a latte with breakfast on the deck, then take home some specialty beans for your espresso machine.

Address: 68 Wollongong St, Fyshwick

8. The Cupping Room

making latte art at The Cupping Room, Canberra — Every cup is a work of art. (Image: VisitCanberra)

One of ONA Coffee’s first forays into Canberra’s cafe scene was with The Cupping Room . And it remains one of the places I always return to when I’m after a decent brew. The baristas treat coffee like an art form here: you’ll find ONA Coffee’s great roasts, plus an extensive and Instagram-worthy array of brunch dishes like Bircher muesli with apple-ginger gel, chorizo skillet and stracciatella toast.

Address: 1/1-13 University Ave, Canberra

9. Highroad

As Canberra’s biggest roastery, ONA Coffee has its hand in many of Canberra’s best cafes for getting a morning fix of coffee. Highroad was the first ONA outlet and it remains one of the most popular in Canberra’s northern suburb of Dickson. The focus at the industrial-chic cafe is on community. Take the time to order brunch if your schedule is looking leisurely. The modern, airy space is designed to make you linger and one of the best places in Canberra for breakfast and brunch.

Address: Cnr Cape & Woolley St, Dickson

10. Gather

brunch at Gather, Braddon — Gather around for a healthy brunch. (Image: Gather)

Have a gatho at Gather if you’re staying in Braddon. In addition to serving what many consider to be the best coffee in Canberra, the cafe should be your go-to for its sustainable approach to sourcing produce from local suppliers across the ACT and NSW. Free-range eggs are from Hilltop in Boorowa. Milk is from Country Valley in Picton. And Gather’s house blend of Ethiopian, Brazilian and Colombian beans is roasted in Braddon. The cafe also has breakfast classics like smashed avo and corn fritters.

Address: 4/24 Mort St, Braddon

11. Maple + Clove

There’s a coffee order for every coffee geek at Maple + Clove at the ground floor at the Little National Hotel. Coffee is the No. 1 attraction at the hip, inner-city cafe in the Realm Precinct. But don’t forget to order a few pastries, too, which pair perfectly with a rich, aromatic latte. Maple + Clove is also considered one of the best cafes in Canberra for its sweet potato hash brown served with smoked ham and scrambled eggs, and its pesto eggs and goat’s cheese on seeded rye.

Address: 21 National Circuit, Barton

12. Two Before Ten

coffee at Two Before Ten — Two Before Ten is arguably one of the coolest coffee spots in Canberra. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Two Before Ten cafes have sprouted all over the nation’s capital, from Barton to Brindabella, Majura to Murrumbateman. Known for its excellent tree-to-cup coffee and commitment to sustainability, Two Before Ten is as much about building community as it is about serving great coffee. The bustling community cafe in Aranda also includes a roastery, yoga studio and expansive urban farm with fruit trees and beehives.

Address: 68 Bandjalong Cres, Aranda

13. The Front Cafe & Gallery

coffee and porridge at The Front Cafe & Gallery — Enjoy a mouth-watering breakfast at this neighbourhood cafe and art gallery in Lyneham. (Image: Andrew Ly/Supercurious)

The Front cafe & Gallery is another offshoot of Two Before Ten. It’s both a cafe and gallery that supports Canberra creatives with a roster of exhibitions held throughout the year. The Two by Ten spin-off is also worthy of our support for its dedication to supporting suppliers that are environmentally and socially sustainable. In addition to excellent espressos, expect sweet concoctions such as cinnamon French toast with seasonal fruits, strawberry mascarpone cream and pistachio crumb.

Address: 1 Wattle Place, Lyneham

14. Little Oink

Swinophobes should avoid Little Oink at all costs. The cute and quirky cafe is all about little piggies with a collection of pig figurines and enduring oink theme throughout. Owner Natalie has a penchant for all things pig-related which extends to menu items such as the Wild Boar with bacon, chorizo, mushrooms and spinach on sourdough. You can also get your snout into an Oinko Burger with eggs, bacon, avo, relish and cheese. The Cook-based business uses Two Before Ten to serve some of the best coffee in Canberra.

Address: 22 Cook Place

15. Urban Pantry

a look inside Urban Pantry cafe and restaurant, Canberra — Urban Pantry is a stalwart of the Canberra coffee scene. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Urban Pantry is a mainstay in Manuka (pronounced Marnika, not Manooka). The hip, happening Canberra neighbourhood has no shortage of wonderful places to eat and drink. But the lively, light-filled venue in the heart of the leafy landmark Manuka Lawns is one of our absolute favourite cafes in Canberra for its culture. Start with buttermilk pancakes or mushroom bruschetta in the cafe’s white, bright interior overlooking the sun-splashed park. Linger on the Lawns with a rich and flavourful coffee.

Address: 5 Bougainville St, Griffith

16. Cafe June

Lonsdale Street is one of Canberra’s epicentres for creativity and is emblematic of life in buzzy Braddon. The rustic cafe favours ONA Coffee, which the baristas brew into consistently good cups of Joe. Order the brekkie beans served with haloumi and two poached eggs or the fluffy buttermilk pancakes and a latte. The action at the cafe spills onto the street, so order an iced coffee to go so you can watch the crowds promenading past on the footpath.

Address: 54/30 Lonsdale St, Braddon

17. Teddy Picker’s

Teddy Picker’s is known for being one of the best places for coffee in Canberra. But you’ll find locals throwing spicy chai lattes and Teddy’s hot chocs down their gullets too because they’re delish. This contemporary Campbell cafe on Constitution Avenue attracts a lot of active types looking to refuel after hiking up Mt Ainslie. Pair your coffee with culinary offerings such as a Mexi Bowl with chicken, black beans, rice, avo, tomato, cucumber and lime sour cream and Teddy’s famed pressed French toast.

Address: 53/65 Constitution Avenue, Campbell

18. Mocan & Green Grout

poached eggs on toast with coffee and water at Mocan & Green Grout — Consume healthy plates at Mocan & Green Grout. (Image: VisitCanberra)

This sunny corner cafe in NewActon is hugely popular with guests staying in nearby hotels such as the quirky QT Canberra. The cosy open-all-day cafe looks like it’s been fitted out by an eccentric collector. Think wooden shelving, brass-topped tables, jars of house-made pickles and flower-filled vases. The name Mocan means ‘strong and reliable’ in a dialect spoken in Trieste, where one of the owners’ families is from and you’ll find the green grout between the beautiful hand-painted tiles in one section. It’s a super-cool environment to enjoy a house coffee blend or pot of Real Chai.

Address: 1/19 Marcus Clarke St, NewActon

19. Cafe Sosta

The must-try Breakfast Frico at Cafe Sosta. (Image: Adam McGrath)

You’ll find a lot of locals wearing soft, stretchy clothing at Cafe Sosta as they’ve either walked or ridden here. The Italian-inspired riverfront cafe is at the Red Shed rowing facility on Black Mountain Peninsula.  Sosta means ‘stopover’ in Italian which is what the location calls for. The venture is led by Bisa Hospitality, the Italian-Australian group behind the East Hotel. Pair your perfect piccolo with breakfast risotto with poached pear or pane della casa topped with pork and fennel meatballs.

Address: John Cardiff Close, Black Mountain Peninsula

20. & Sando

coffe and sandwich at & Sando — Tuck into hearty sandwiches. (Image: Buffet Digital/&Sando)

It’s no surprise restaurateur Matt Moran’s deli-style sandwich shop makes some of the best sandos in the ACT. But it’s also one of the best places for coffee in Canberra. Those in search of the perfect flavour-layered sando will find it here at & Sando , an offshoot of Moran’s Compa Ristorante next door. Expect your coffee and every element of your sandwich to be put together with care. You’ll need two hands to enjoy the Godfoccacia of mortadella, salami, prosciutto and Caesar dressing on focaccia. Coffee is by Sydney’s Single O.

Address: 148 Bunda St

21. Three Mills Bakery

croissants at Three Mills Bakery — Three Mills Bakery whips up freshly baked goods to enjoy with your coffee. (Image: Richard Poulton/ VisitCanberra)

Three Mills Bakery is one of the best purveyors of specialty coffee in Canberra. But the casual spot, which has outlets all over the city, also offers customers pastries to take home and bake in their home oven. It’s worth a trip to the underrated suburb of Fyshwick, where it all began, to sip on an espresso that will be one of the best cups of coffee you enjoy in Canberra.

Address: Leeton Street, Fyshwick

22. Cafe Stepping Stone

breakfast with tea at Cafe Stepping Stone — The breakfast menu is as wholesome as the cafe’s social purpose. (Image: Cafe Stepping Stone)

Cafe Stepping Stone is the kind of place that stays with you long after your last slurp of coffee. The vegetarian cafe has a social purpose, supporting migrant and refugee women through employment and training. The food leans wholesome and generous, drawing on Asian, Middle Eastern and South American flavours. My personal favourites are the potato masala toastie and mushroom medley pie. Leave well fed and feeling good about it.

Address: Strathnairn Arts, 90 Stockdill Drive, Gullifer St

23. Silo Bakery

coffee and pastries with water at Silo Bakery — The bakery cafe is all about carb-forward comfort food. (Image: Kara Rosenlund/VisitCanberra)

Silo Bakery + Café is serious about brewing excellent coffee from responsibly sourced, sustainable, fair-trade suppliers.  The baristas here are like gods, with the habitual observance of a morning brew an exalted daily ritual.

This cafe is not for your keto friends. It’s for those coffee connoisseurs who agree that there are few better ways to start the day than with an espresso and fresh-baked croissant. The bakery cafe is all about carb-forward comfort food and one of my go-to stops for some of the best coffee in Canberra.

Address: 36 Giles St, Kingston

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

Here’s where to get the best coffee in Canberra